Like the solstices which mark the beginning of summer and winter, equinoxes were used by early civilizations to separate the seasons. As tonight is that event it seemed appropriate to hold a garden party today to not only celebrate the separation for the seasons BUT, the joining of all our friends who are physically close to us right now. What a wonderful day.
The day started with me heading to Tavira to pick up Claudette and Lil, who are staying in Olhão for the next few nights. We enjoyed a trip through the mountains and a stop, walkabout, and coffee in Sao Bras.







Folks were arriving for 13h00 and my gosh, what a feast we enjoyed. I won’t get into all of it, just a few candid shots of the group socializing and enjoying the sun.












During these get togethers over the year, we are privileged that our friend Simào brings along his guitar and we get to have our very own fado concert. Some of us are even bold enough to try and sing along!!!!


And then there was dessert…….for those whom are inlcined

A group shot orchestrated by petit moi!!! All good sports.

I know I must sound a bit like a broken record saying how blessed we are but I need to say it again. When I look at this shot and having had the pleasure of being part of these day with all these wonderful people I am privileged enough to call “friend”, that is precisely how I feel.
And in closing….my favourite shot of the day.

Party party party. Woo-hoo. Looks like another awesome day with friends.
LikeLike
Your names came up today cause the last potluck we had here was your pool party!
LikeLike
What a wonderful day spent with wonderful friends. Thank you Marc and Randy for arranging it. Love you. See you soon😍
LikeLike
We were so happy to have you both here and part of this. You’re a big part of our Portugal experience and one of the things we love about being here
LikeLike
Happy Equinox! Now… about that cake…!
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL, I expect you won’t be the only one to think that way!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a unique Iris. Absolutely beautiful. I’ll save it and do a painting of it. I love your group .
The fact that you celebrate life in such a grand setting and with such diverse and wonderful humans, you must take a lot of deep breaths. I feel blessed to call you my friend.
LikeLike
Another lovely note from Maid Marion. You make my heart swell.
LikeLike
Merci mes amis….what a grand time. Again, photos are wonderful. I agree with Marion, that iris is a show stopper.
LikeLike
What a wonderful life we live huh? I’m doubly blessed that you are such a big part of it!
LikeLike
I’m inclined…. For dessert.
Looks like a wonderful day was enjoyed by all. So you decided to make Sangria. Good call.
You are all so incredibly lucky and blessed to have each other.
LikeLike
The sangria was a surprise from Patricia…..and a huge success I might add. Yes, we do live a charmed life here and we acknowledge it every day.
LikeLike
C’est comme si j’y étais. Je vous entends jaser, discuter et vous amuser au soleil. Je suis contente pour vous. Merci pour ce partage. XX
LikeLike
Merci mon amie. Nous te manquons. Your name came up a few times yesterday.
LikeLike
What a wonderful way to spend a beautiful day. I love to see everybody together, enjoying each other’s company. Not to mention good food, good drink and great entertainment.
All the pictures are lovely, the group gathering looks like it was fun in the making, but oh my goodness, your picture of the day, absolutely stunning. The mixing of the colors and the shapes of the leaves, really magnificent.
Now, let’s talk about that dessert! LOL. Goodness gracious, me Oh my!
I see that the cute little Jackson was also part of the group. He sure has come a long way from being secluded on a mountain in Rigaud!! Hehehee.
LikeLike
That dessert, compliments of Ana, was quite the success, including in many comments and emails! Yes, Jackson is going to go into withdrawal when he gets back to the quiet of Rigaud. He is quite content and happy to be here with the various groups.
LikeLike
Oh what a lovely gathering! The sun, the smiles, the obvious chit chat going on and sangria! I miss big parties! So happy for all of you, happy you are all so blessed! And as others have mentioned, the cake!! Oh and nobody went swimming in that lovely pool?
LikeLike
Maybe next year YOU will be in my blog!!!!! And that cake, yes, it seems that everyone is intrigued….not having a sweet tooth I can’t tell you anything about it but we both know a couple of faces from that photo who can give you a first hand account!!
LikeLike
What a great way to celebrate the first day of spring with friends! I have a few signs of spring here in Cape Breton with a few sprigs of green & yellow flowers – so nice to see. I have to say that cake looked amazing even though I no longer have a sweet tooth, but I think I would try that one. We are now on the positive side of Celsius these days – hope springs eternal, as they say!
LikeLike
It’s amazing how warmer temperatures and a little sun can perk us up huh? Glad you are finally seeing the end of winter. Yes, celebrating the first day of spring like that was such a treat for all of us. Big Hugs from the sunny Algarve
LikeLike
That Iris was incredible…great pix of your party…it is so wonderful to see the colour and warmth in the landscape and in the faces of all of you. I am off to Australia tonight….for my bit of sunshine and warmth. Bali next week for a few days of R and R….take care and safe home….xx
LikeLike
Safe travels Beth. We were thinking of you earlier today. Wishing you a safe and uneventful flight. Enjoy your grandchildren and we’ll see you in Canada the end of April.
LikeLike